Bears’ 7-1 run in the fifth set propels them to a thrilling victory over the Chancellors
The John Burroughs Bears came out on top in a five-set thriller over the Chatsworth Chancellors, winning 25-16, 14-25, 23-25, 25-18,15-9. A decisive 7-1 scoring run to open the fifth set helped propel the Bears to victory. Burroughs entered the match after sweeping Cleveland last week, while Chatsworth was coming off a sweep of Carson two days earlier.
Amelia Walsh and Victoria Acevedo opened the first set with back-to-back points to give the Bears a 2-0 lead. Makena Ronquillo put the Chancellors on the scoreboard with a block, and a hitting error by Zoe Davis tied the game at two. The Bears quickly regained control and maintained it throughout the opening set. Walsh, Rowan and Acevedo closed it out with consecutive points, giving Burroughs a convincing 25-16 victory.
The Chancellors responded in the second set with a 7-1 scoring run. Angeline Gracy, Taylor Khayatpour and Ronquillo contributed points during the early surge. Chatsworth remained in control throughout the one-sided set and evened the match with a 25-14 victory.
Burroughs and Chatsworth battled neck and neck throughout the third set, with neither team able to establish a comfortable advantage. Catriana Gambaro helped the Chancellors escape with a two-point victory, 25-23, giving Chatsworth the momentum and a 2-1 match lead heading into the fourth set.
Chatsworth opened the fourth set with a 4-1 run behind contributions from Khayatpour, Ronquillo and Camillia Diaz. Burroughs quickly answered as Walsh, Trinity Taylan and Davis delivered three consecutive kills to tie the score at five.The Bears took control from there. Taylan recorded a clutch kill late in the set as Burroughs won 25-18 and forced a decisive fifth set.
With the match still up for grabs, Burroughs erupted for a 7-1 run to begin the final set, highlighted by points from Davis and Taylan. The Chancellors continued to battle, but the Bears never surrendered their advantage. Maddie Bixler delivered the match-winning kill, securing a 15-9 fifth-set victory for Burroughs.
The Bears improved to 5-3, while the Chancellors fell to 4-5. Burroughs will travel to Oak Park next Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. match. Chatsworth will complete the second half of a back-to-back when it hosts Calabasas at 4:30 p.m.
